ERTC Voluntary Disclosure Program update

The IRS’s second Voluntary Disclosure Program for employers who claimed improper COVID-related credits ended Nov. 22. However, certain programs for businesses with Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims that haven’t been processed remain open. The Claim Withdrawal Program is available for businesses that request the IRS not process ERTC claims that haven’t yet been paid. […]

Beware of Scams

Business owners who are preparing to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports by Jan. 1, 2025, should be alert. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is warning of scams designed to steal sensitive information by targeting BOI filers. Scammers may reference fake forms, such as “Form 4022” or “Form 5102,” or they […]

It’s not too late to trim your 2024 taxes

As the end of the year draws near, savvy taxpayers look for ways to reduce their tax bills. This year, the sense of urgency is higher for many because of some critical factors. Indeed, many of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025, absent congressional action. […]

Feeling charitable?

If charitable giving is on your mind, consider a tax reduction strategy called “bunching.” Only donations to IRS-approved charities are deductible, and only if you itemize. However, itemizing is less common since the standard deduction nearly doubled (for 2018-2025, unless extended by Congress). Bunching may allow you to benefit from the standard and itemized deductions […]

SCOTUS declines to review bankruptcy case

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review a decision in which a taxpayer who filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy sought to discharge his tax liabilities. According to the Bankruptcy Code, tax debts are dischargeable only if a debtor has filed a “return.” This taxpayer, however, didn’t file timely IRS returns for any of the […]

Now what? Assessing the likely tax impacts of the 2024 election

President-Elect Donald Trump will return to the White House in 2025 — a year that already was expected to see significant activity on the federal tax front. A projected unified GOP Congress is poised to help him notch early legislative tax victories. (Republicans have won back a majority in the U.S. Senate and are projected […]

IRS update

Tax collection is one of the many government functions likely to be affected by the upcoming Republican “trifecta” (control of the presidency, U.S. Senate and U.S. House). The Inflation Reduction Act secured nearly $80 billion for the IRS to increase compliance rates, upgrade technology and make new hires through 2031. But Republicans have repeatedly called […]

The nanny tax: What household employers need to know

Hiring household help, whether you employ a nanny, housekeeper or gardener, can significantly ease the burden of childcare and daily chores. However, as a household employer, it’s critical to understand your tax obligations, commonly called the “nanny tax.” If you hire a household employee who isn’t an independent contractor, you may be liable for federal […]

Reminder – BOI reporting is due by January 1st

Many companies created or registered to do business before Jan. 1, 2024, must e-file their initial beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports by Jan. 1, 2025. This generally means reporting the names and other information about those who own or control the company. Exceptions and special rules apply. The report is filed with the U.S. Treasury […]

Lame-duck Session may address some minor tax bills

Republicans are set to take control of both chambers of Congress next January. The consensus on Capitol Hill is that there’s little chance of major tax legislation being passed until then. However, there may be an opportunity during the rest of the lame-duck session to consider minor tax bills. According to Eric LoPresti, tax counsel […]